Overview
Utah provides a well-organized path to journeyman electrician licensure through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), part of the Department of Commerce. To qualify for a Journeyman Electrician license, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of approved classroom instruction. Utah is notable for its 3,000-hour annual credit cap — you can log no more than 3,000 hours of qualifying experience in any single 12-month period, which effectively ensures a minimum apprenticeship duration of just under three years even for those working significant overtime.
A key prerequisite in Utah is that you must hold an Apprentice Electrician license before you can begin accumulating qualifying hours. This is not merely a registration — it is an actual license issued by DOPL that authorizes you to work as an electrical apprentice. Hours worked before obtaining this license do not count toward your journeyman requirements. Utah transitioned to electronic Verification of Experience forms in January 2026, streamlining a process that was previously paper-based.
Utah has a reciprocal agreement with Oregon, which is particularly noteworthy given Oregon's detailed eight-category system. If you hold a current Oregon General Journeyman license, you may be eligible for a Utah license with reduced requirements. Utah has adopted the 2023 NEC and bases its licensing exam on this edition. The state also issues a separate Residential Journeyman Electrician license that requires only 4,000 hours — apprentices interested only in residential work should consider whether this separate license better fits their career goals.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Utah requires 8,000 hours across 1 category. Plus 576 hours of classroom instruction.
General Electrical Work
All types of electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work performed under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Utah uses a single comprehensive category — all qualifying electrical work counts equally toward the 8,000-hour total. No subcategory breakdowns, caps, or minimums apply. However, the 3,000-hour annual credit cap limits how quickly you can accumulate hours.
Application Process
- 1
Obtain an Apprentice Electrician license from DOPL. This is a prerequisite — you must hold this license before your hours begin counting. Apply through the DOPL online portal.
- 2
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed Utah Journeyman or Master Electrician. Your supervisor must hold a current, active Utah license.
- 3
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, subject to the 3,000-hour annual credit cap. No more than 3,000 hours in any 12-month period will count toward your total.
- 4
Complete 576 hours of approved classroom instruction covering the NEC (2023 edition), electrical theory, blueprint reading, safety, and Utah electrical regulations.
- 5
Submit your Verification of Experience form electronically through the DOPL portal. Since January 2026, Utah accepts electronic submissions for experience verification.
- 6
Have your supervising electrician(s) verify your hours electronically. Each period of work under a different supervisor requires separate verification.
- 7
Once DOPL verifies your hours, classroom completion, and apprentice license history, you will receive authorization to schedule the Journeyman Electrician examination.
- 8
Pass the exam (based on the 2023 NEC) and pay the license fee. Your journeyman license is valid for two years (biennial renewal).
Important Rules & Gotchas
Apprentice Electrician license required first: You must hold an active Apprentice Electrician license from DOPL before any hours count. This is not just a registration — it is an actual license. Hours worked without it are permanently lost.
3,000-hour annual credit cap: Even if you work 60-hour weeks, only 3,000 hours per 12-month period count toward your total. This means the minimum possible apprenticeship duration is about 2 years and 8 months, even with consistent overtime.
Residential Journeyman is a separate license: Utah offers a Residential Journeyman Electrician license requiring only 4,000 hours. This is a different license from the full Journeyman — make sure you are tracking toward the correct license for your career goals.
Oregon reciprocity specifics: While Utah has a reciprocal agreement with Oregon, the conditions are specific. Contact DOPL to verify current reciprocity terms and required documentation.
2023 NEC adoption: Utah bases its exam on the 2023 NEC edition. If you studied from an older edition, update your code book and study materials.
Electronic verification since January 2026: Utah recently transitioned to electronic Verification of Experience forms. If you have old paper forms, you may need to resubmit electronically through the DOPL portal.
CE requirements are split: The 16 CE hours per biennial cycle must include 12 core hours (8 NEC + 4 NFPA 70E) and 4 professional development hours. You cannot do all 16 hours on a single topic.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Utah requires 576 hours of approved classroom instruction, typically completed over the course of a 3-4 year apprenticeship alongside your OJT hours.
Classroom instruction must cover the 2023 National Electrical Code (which Utah has adopted), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading, electrical safety practices (including NFPA 70E), and Utah-specific electrical regulations.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC or registered apprenticeship program. Utah also accepts classroom instruction from accredited community colleges, trade schools, and approved online providers.
Since Utah's exam is based on the 2023 NEC, ensure your classroom instruction covers this specific edition. Programs still teaching from older NEC editions may not adequately prepare you for the licensing exam.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Utah Journeyman Electrician licenses must be renewed every two years (biennial). The renewal fee is $84.
You must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. The 16 hours are divided into specific categories: 8 hours on the NEC (National Electrical Code), 4 hours on NFPA 70E (workplace electrical safety), and 4 hours on professional development topics.
CE courses must be from DOPL-approved providers. Many providers offer approved courses both in-person and online.
Renewal can be completed online through the DOPL portal. DOPL sends renewal notices, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.
If your license expires, you must stop performing electrical work. Late renewal may require additional fees and completion of outstanding CE hours. Extended lapses may require re-examination.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Get your Apprentice Electrician license immediately. This is not optional — it is a prerequisite for any hours to count. Apply through DOPL before your first day on the job.
Monitor the 3,000-hour annual cap. If you are working overtime, you may hit the cap before 12 months are up. Hours beyond 3,000 in any 12-month period are simply lost. Track your hours per rolling 12-month window, not just per calendar year.
Decide between Journeyman and Residential Journeyman early. If your career will focus entirely on residential work, the 4,000-hour Residential Journeyman license may be a faster path. However, the full Journeyman license (8,000 hours) offers broader career flexibility.
Take advantage of electronic verification. Since January 2026, Utah accepts electronic Verification of Experience forms through the DOPL portal. Submit verifications periodically rather than waiting until the end.
Study the 2023 NEC specifically. Utah has adopted this edition, and the licensing exam is based on it. Make sure your code book and study materials match the current adoption.
Use WireHours to track your hours with awareness of the 3,000-hour annual cap. The app monitors your rolling 12-month hour total and warns you as you approach the cap, ensuring no hours are wasted on over-accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual hour cap in Utah for electrical apprentices?
Utah limits qualifying experience to 3,000 hours per 12-month period. Even if you work more than 3,000 hours in a year, only 3,000 count toward your 8,000-hour total. This effectively sets a minimum apprenticeship duration of approximately 2 years and 8 months.
Do I need an Apprentice Electrician license in Utah?
Yes. You must hold an active Apprentice Electrician license from DOPL before your hours begin counting. This is not just a registration — it is an actual license. Apply through the DOPL online portal before starting work.
Does Utah have reciprocity with other states?
Utah has a reciprocal agreement with Oregon. If you hold a current Oregon General Journeyman Electrician license, you may be eligible for a Utah license with reduced requirements. Contact DOPL for current reciprocity terms and documentation requirements.
What NEC edition does Utah use for the electrician exam?
Utah has adopted the 2023 NEC and bases its journeyman electrician licensing exam on this edition. Make sure your code book and study materials are the 2023 NEC, not an older edition.
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